E5903

Winter Berries

Beautyberry

Cover Announcement 

This plant has flowers that display in clusters and are white to subtle pink. The berries range from pink to purple. I chose the latter to show in my hand painted cachet. The berries have a metallic luster and are an important survival food for birds and animals. Humans make wine and jelly from beautyberries.

The rnuskrat is a medium-sized semi-aquatic rodent native to North America. They are covered with short, thick fur that is medium to dark brown. They spend most of their time underwater and can stay submerged for up to 17 minutes. These fur bearers were a constant menace at Collins Ponds where I grew up. They caused major damage to the ponds by digging burrows that would damage dams and cause water loss. They also could carry diseases.

An adult can measure up to 28 inches long and weigh up to 4 pounds. They inhabit wetlands. rivers, lakes and ponds.

Muskrats eat cattails and other aquatic vegetation and are an imporrant food source for foxes, coyotes. wolves, lynx,  

bobcats. raccoons, and bears. My hand painted cachet depicts one coming up for air in a winter pond.

The Beautyberry and Fur-Bearing Muskrat first day cover is now ready. Beautyberries with muskrat - Collins #E5903 at $16.50